Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might also change considerably.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to affect other states that use controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was declined. This increase would have come in the state's spending plan costs.

Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate wagering, this would impact even professional sporting events.

The bill likewise seeks to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop necessary daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes examining savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing during telecasted sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.